Character guide

Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi

major

Also known as the Empress Dowager, Dowager Empress Tze-Hsi, Her Majesty

The powerful and fascinating ruler of China, central figure of the court and the author's main subject.

Katherine A. Carl

major

Also known as Katharine A. Carl, Carl

The author and narrator, an American artist invited to paint the Empress Dowager's portrait.

Emperor Kwang-Hsu

supporting

Also known as Kwang-Hsu, the young Emperor Kwang-Hsu, His Majesty

The young, reserved Emperor, nephew of the Empress Dowager, who lacks her charm and magnetism.

Mrs. Conger

supporting

An American diplomat's wife at the Chinese court, a companion and fellow foreigner to the author.

Lady Yu-Keng

supporting

Also known as the Ladies Yu-Keng, Ladies Yu-Keng, the Yu-Kengs

A Manchu lady of the court, part of a family closely associated with the Empress Dowager.

Prince Ch'un

minor

Also known as The Prince

The Emperor's father, a prince of the seventh rank, whose palace is described in the book.

Prince Ching

minor

A high-ranking Manchu prince and official at the Chinese court.

Grand Secretary Yung Lu

minor

Also known as Yung Lu

A powerful Grand Secretary and trusted advisor to the Empress Dowager.

Sir Robert Hart

minor

Also known as Sir Robert

The British Inspector-General of China's Imperial Maritime Customs, a notable foreign figure.

Late Emperor Tung-Chih

minor

Also known as the Emperor Tung-Chih, young Tung-Chih

The deceased predecessor of Kwang-Hsu, mentioned in historical context.

Emperor Hsien-Feng

minor

The late husband of the Empress Dowager, a historical figure referenced in the narrative.

Wang

minor

A servant or attendant in the palace, mentioned by name in the narrative.

Hailo

minor

A person mentioned in the narrative, possibly a servant or minor court figure.

Young Prince Adalbert of Prussia

minor

A visiting German prince who appears at a court function.

Confucius

minor

The ancient Chinese philosopher, referenced in relation to sacrifices and literary traditions.

Buddha

minor

The religious figure, mentioned in the context of Chinese religious rites.

Kang-Yu-Wei

minor

Also known as the so-called reformer Kang-Yu-Wei

A reformer mentioned critically in the narrative, associated with political events.

Whar-Mou-Lahn

minor

Also known as the Chinese Jeanne d'Arc, the warlike Maiden

A legendary Chinese female warrior, referenced as a historical example.

Sih-Gerga

minor

A person mentioned in the narrative, possibly a servant or minor character.